It is sticky, and insects
tend to get attached.
This does NOT mean it is carnivorous, it is just to protect
itself.
One month
old seedlings. Even the seed leaves are sticky.
The seedpod within the fruit
have spikes all over
Even the seed leaves are sticky.
 |
| Author: | Glen Parker Van Eseltine 1929 |
| Family: |
Pedaliaceae |
| Habitat: |
Northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Southern Brazil |
| Soil: |
Rick - Mix |
| Water:
|
Maximum |
| Sun: |
Medium -
Maximum |
| Thickness: |
1,4
centimetres |
| Height: |
45 centimetres |
| Flower:
|
Yellow/Orange |
| Propagate: |
Seeds/Cuttings |
| Names:
|
Devil's
Claw, Yellow Unicorn-Plant, Elephant Tusks, Goat Head |
| Synonyms: |
Martynia lutea, John Lindley
1825.
Martynia montevidensis, Cham. 1832.
Proboscidea lutea,
Stapf 1895.
Ibicella nelsoniana, Van Eselt.
Martynia lutea var. nelsoniana, Barb.Rodr.
Martynia nelsoniana, Barb.Rodr. |
This annual member of the Pedaliaceae
family was given this name by Glen Parker Van Eseltine in
1929. It is found in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil.
It grow in a rather rich but still drained soil with quite some
water and some to lots of sun. The flowers are bright yellow with
orange spots. Although the leaves are rather sticky, and will catch
small insects, it is not a carnivorous plant. It does not
contain the digestive enzymes needed for processing the catch.
Being an annual species, it is
a relief it can self pollinate. Save the seeds in a cold place for
next year - or save them for more than 15 years - soak them for 24
hours, and they will start growing in 2-4 weeks, if places in
21-25C. The strange
fruit is shredded while it is still green and fresh. Underneath sits
a seedpod in the same shape. Within that, four rows of seeds are
found, around16 in total. The under row tend to sit firm, letting an
animal carry them fare away. |
